Frightfest Written by Tom Hewson

We are what we are is an astonishing, dark and fascinating film by Mexican director Jorge Michel Grau. It tells the story of three teenage children having to take responsibility for the family after their father passes away. These newfound responsibilities include the hunting and putting of food on the table; the only thing is the food they happen to eat is human flesh as the whole family are cannibals. This is not just your average cannibal movie though; there is real substance to it. The film focuses more on the relationship between the three teenagers and their mother whilst they struggle to survive rather than vacuously having one gory scene after another of them eating people. Although gore isn't central to the films appeal, it's still not short on brutal violence and moments of harrowing terror, especially during the films tense finale.
The characters are remarkably well written and the acting is tremendous. The performances from the two brothers and their sister shine through in scenes where they appear truly vulnerable and - in times of pure desperation - completely sociopathic and relentless. This makes for very menacing but intriguing viewing. We Are What We Are is beautifully shot and is possibly on a par with Let The Right One In as it conveyed just as much anguish, isolation and proved that you can make an intelligent horror without relying on cheap generic tricks to desperately keep the audience engaged. This haunting story is an exceptional debut by Jorge Michel Grau and it will resonate with you long after seeing it. Fact.